Tooling

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for facilitating leveling of an unrestrained material such as uncured concrete with a straight edge board is disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a first engagement and a second engagement member which are attached to the straight edge board. Each engagement member includes a frame, a handle, an adjustable handle bracket and a fastening bolt. The apparatus allows a worker to extend further without bending and prevents poor ergonomics. The apparatus may be used with most straight edge boards, and is easy to disassemble and store in a relatively small space.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED R&D

[0002] Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] 1. Field of the Invention

[0004] The present invention is directed to an apparatus for attachment to a straight edge board for use in leveling an unrestrained or loose material. More specifically, the present invention is directed at an apparatus for attachment to a straight edge board for use in leveling concrete.

[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0006] Typically, a straight edge two-by four board is used to level newly poured cement, such as in the construction of a sidewalk. This usually requires the worker to extend himself over the newly poured concrete in a ergonomicly incorrect manner, which could result in back injury and the like. Additionally, the worker must grasp the board with his/her fingers increasing the fatigue on the worker's muscles.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention provides a solution to the problem of leveling unrestrained materials such as concrete, sand, gravel and the like. The present invention allows for a straight edge board, which is well accepted in the industry, to be more efficiently utilized in the leveling of unrestrained materials, with better ergonomics for the worker.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is an apparatus for utilization with a straight edge wooden board for leveling of uncured concrete. The apparatus includes a first engagement member and a second engagement member. The first engagement member includes a first frame, a first adjustable handle bracket, a first fastening bolt and a first cylindrical handle. The first frame is composed of steel. The first frame is attached to the straight edge wooden board. The first frame has a top plate with a first plate extending downward approximately 2.5 inches from a first edge of the top plate, and a second plate extending downward 2.5 inches from a second edge of the top plate. The first plate has a first aperture therethrough. The first adjustable handle bracket is attached to an exterior surface of the top plate. The first fastening bolt is disposed through a threaded nut and the first aperture of the first plate for securing the first engagement member to the straight edge wooden board. The first cylindrical elongated handle has a first end threadingly engaged to the first adjustable handle bracket and second end with a grip thereon. The second engagement member includes a second frame, a second adjustable handle bracket, a second fastening bolt and a second cylindrical handle. The second frame is composed of steel. The second frame is attached to the straight edge wooden board. The second frame has a top plate with a first plate extending downward approximately 2.5 inches from a first edge of the top plate, and a second plate extending downward 2.5 inches from a second edge of the top plate. The first plate has a first aperture therethrough. The second adjustable handle bracket is attached to an exterior surface of the top plate. The second fastening bolt is disposed through a threaded nut and the first aperture of the first plate for securing the second engagement member to the straight edge wooden board. The second cylindrical elongated handle has a first end threadingly engaged to the first adjustable handle bracket and second end with a grip.

[0009] A second aspect of the present invention is a combination for leveling of uncured concrete. The combination includes a straight edge 2×4 wooden board, a first engagement member and a second engagement member. The first engagement member includes a first frame, a first adjustable handle bracket, a first fastening bolt and a first cylindrical handle. The first frame is composed of steel. The first frame is attached to the straight edge 2×4 wooden board. The first frame has a top plate with a first plate extending downward approximately 2.5 inches from a first edge of the top plate, and a second plate extending downward 2.5 inches from a second edge of the top plate. The first plate has a first aperture therethrough. The first adjustable handle bracket is attached to an exterior surface of the top plate. The first fastening bolt is disposed through a threaded nut and the first aperture of the first plate for securing the first engagement member to the straight edge 2×4 wooden board. The first cylindrical elongated handle has a first end threadingly engaged to the first adjustable handle bracket and second end with a grip thereon. The second engagement member includes a second frame, a second adjustable handle bracket, a second fastening bolt and a second cylindrical handle. The second frame is composed of steel. The second frame is attached to the straight edge 2×4 wooden board. The second frame has a top plate with a first plate extending downward approximately 2.5 inches from a first edge of the top plate, and a second plate extending downward 2.5 inches from a second edge of the top plate. The first plate has a first aperture therethrough. The second adjustable handle bracket is attached to an exterior surface of the top plate. The second fastening bolt is disposed through a threaded nut and the first aperture of the first plate for securing the second engagement member to the straight edge 2×4 wooden board. The second cylindrical elongated handle has a first end threadingly engaged to the first adjustable handle bracket and second end with a grip.

[0010] It is an object of the present object to provide an apparatus to facilitate the leveling of an unrestrained material such as uncured concrete.

[0011] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus to facilitate the leveling of an unrestrained material, that is easy to disassemble and store in a relatively small space.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus of the present invention attached to a straight edge board.

[0013]FIG. 2 is an isolated front view of an engagement member of the apparatus of the present invention.

[0014]FIG. 3 is an isolated side view of an engagement member of the apparatus of the present invention.

[0015]FIG. 4 is an isolated view of a handle of an engagement member of the apparatus of the present invention.

[0016]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the apparatus leveling an unrestrained material.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 1-5, the apparatus of the present invention is generally indicated 10. The apparatus 10 is utilized with a straight edge board 15. The apparatus 10 has a first engagement member 20 a and a second engagement member 20 b. The first engagement member 20 a has a first frame 25 a, a first elongated handle 30 a, a first adjustable handle bracket 35 a and a fastening bolt 40. The second engagement member 20 b has a second frame 25 b, a second elongated handle 30 b, a second adjustable handle bracket 35 b and a fastening bolt 40.

[0018] Each of the first frame 25 a and the second frame 30 b has a top plate 45, a first plate 50 and a second plate 55. The first plate 50 extends downward from a first edge 60 a of the top plate 45 and the second plate 55 extends downward form a second edge 60 b of the top plate 45 to form an U-shaped frame. Each of the first frame 25 a and the second frame 25 b are preferably composed of a metal material such as steel, titanium (a lightweight material), brass and the like. However, those skilled in the pertinent art will recognize that other materials such as polymers (for example polyamides) may be utilized for the first and second frames 25 a and 25 b without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

[0019] Each of the first plate 50, second plate 55 and top plate 45 of each of the frames 25 a and 25 b having a thickness, “T”, preferably ranging from 0.10 inch to 0.25 inch, and most preferably a thickness of approximately 0.125 inch. The distance, “D”, between the first plate 50 and the second plate 55 of each of the frames 25 a and 25 b preferably ranges from 1.5 inch to 2.0 inch, more preferably 1.8125 inches to 1.875 inches to attached to a straight edge board 15, which is typically a straight edge 2×4 wooden board. Each of the first plate 50, second plate 55 and top plate 45 of each of the frames 25 a and 25 b having a width, “W”, preferably ranging from 2.0 inches to 5.0 inches, and most preferably a width of approximately 4.0 inches.

[0020] Each of the first plate 50 and the second plate 55 of each of the frames 25 a and 25 b having a length, “L”, extending downward from an edge 60 a or 60 b of the top plate 45 preferably ranging from 2.0 inches to 3.5 inches, and most preferably a length of approximately 2.5 inches to attach to a straight edge board 15.

[0021] Each first plate 50 of each of the frames 25 a and 25 b has a first aperture 65 a therethrough, and preferably a second aperture 65 b therethrough. The apertures 65 a and 65 b are preferably positioned in parallel along a central horizontal plane of the first plate 50, 1 inch from opposing edges of the first plate 50. A fastening bolt 40 is disposed through each of the apertures 65 a and 65 b for securing each of the first engagement member 20 a and second engagement member 20 b to the straight edge board 15. Each of the fastening bolts 40 are preferably engaged with a threaded nut 70. Each fastening bolt 40 preferably has a flat end 75 to facilitate tightening of the fastening bolt 40 into the straight edge board 15. Those skilled in the art will recognize other means for securing it engagement member to the board without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

[0022] The first adjustable handle bracket 35 a is disposed an exterior surface of the top plate 45 of the first frame 25 a, preferably in the center of the top plate 45. The second adjustable handle bracket 35 b is disposed an exterior surface of the top plate 45 of the second frame 25 b, preferably in the center of the top plate 45. Each adjustable handle bracket 35 a and 35 b is composed of a base 80, a fixed socket 85 and a moveable threaded socket 90 for receiving an attachment end 95 of a handle 30 a or 30 b. The attachment end 95 of each handle 30 a and 30 b is preferably metal threaded for removable attachment a corresponding adjustable handle bracket 35 a or 35 b.

[0023] Each handle 30 a and 30 b is elongated and preferably cylindrical with a diameter ranging from 0.75 inch to 2.0 inch, and most preferably 1 inch. A second end 100 of each handle 30 a and 30 b preferably has a grip 105 thereon. Each handle 30 a and 30 b preferably has a length, “L′”, preferably ranging from 12 inches to 36 inches, and most preferably approximately 24 inches. Each handle 30 a and 30 b is preferably composed of wood, however, those skilled in the pertinent art will recognize that other materials could be used for each of the handles 30 and 30 b without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. The grip is preferably composed of a rubber or poly mer material, and preferably has a texture thereon for better gripping by a working utilizing the apparatus 10 of the present invention.

[0024] In practice, each engagement member 25 a and 25 b is attached an appropriate distance on a straight edge board, typically equal distance from the center of the straight edge board 15. A worker/user, can adjust the distance between the engagement members 25 a and 25 b to the worker's appropriate distance for the workers body dimensions. Thus, the present invention allows for facilitated “fitting” of the apparatus 10 to the worker. This facilitated fitting decreases injury to the worker since the worker does not have to adjust, but instead can adjust the apparatus to the worker's dimensions. Each engagement member 25 a and 25 b is attached by turning each fastening bolt 40 into the straight edge board 15 to engage and secure each engagement member 25 a and 25 b to the straight edge board 15.

[0025] Each of the handles 30 a and 30 b are attached to each corresponding adjustable handle bracket 35 a and 35 b. The workers grips the grip end 100 of each handle 30 a and 30 b and pulls the unrestrained material to level the material to create a level surface such as a sidewalk. For instance, with concrete, the uncured concrete is poured and then is leveled to create a sidewalk, porch or other substantially flat surface. The 360 degree adjustability of the handles 30 a and 30 b due to the 360 degrees movement of the socket 90 of each of the adjustable handle brackets 35 a and 35 b allows for greater positioning of the straight edge board 15 on the material to be leveled.

[0026] After use of the apparatus 10, the components may be quickly disassembled and the apparatus stored (without the straight edge board) in a relatively small space. Thus, the apparatus 10 may easily be transported from work site to work site without sacrificing valuable space on a vehicle such as a work truck. 

1. An apparatus for utilization with a straight edge board for leveling of unrestrained materials, the apparatus comprising: a first engagement member comprising a first frame attached to the straight edge board, the frame having a top plate with a first plate extending downward from a first edge of the top plate, a second plate extending downward from a second edge of the top plate, the first plate having a first aperture therethrough, a first adjustable handle bracket attached to an exterior surface of the top plate, a first fastening bolt disposed through the first aperture for securing the first engagement member to the straight edge board, and a first elongated handle attached to the first adjustable handle bracket; and a second engagement member comprising a second frame attached to the straight edge board, the second frame having a top plate with a first plate extending downward from a first edge of the top plate and a second plate extending downward from a second edge of the top plate, the first plate having a first aperture therethrough, a second adjustable handle bracket attached to an exterior surface of the top plate of the second frame, a second fastening bolt disposed through the first aperture for securing the second engagement member to the straight edge board, and a second elongated handle attached to the second adjustable handle bracket.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the first elongated handle has a first end and a second end, the first end attached to the first adjustable handle bracket, and wherein the second elongated handle has a first end and a second end, the first end attached to the second adjustable handle bracket, the apparatus further comprising a first grip attached to the first end of the first elongated handle and a second grip attached to the first end of the second elongated handle.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the first plate of the first frame has a second aperture therethrough and the first plate of the second frame has a second aperture therethrough, the first engagement member further comprising a second fastening bolt disposed through the second aperture of the first plate of the first frame, and the second engagement member further comprising a second fastening bolt disposed through the second aperture of the first plate of the second frame.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the first frame and the second frame are each composed of a metal material.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the first elongated handle and the second elongated handle are each a length ranging from 12 inches to 36 inches.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the first elongated handle and the second elongated handle each have a diameter ranging from 0.75 inch to 2.0 inches.
 7. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein each of the top plate, first plate and second plate of each of the first frame and the second frame have a thickness ranging from 0.10 inch to 0.25 inch.
 8. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the distance between the first plate and the second plate of each of the first frame and the second frame ranges from 1.5 inches to 2.0 inches.
 9. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein each of the first plate and the second plate of each of the first frame and the second frame have a length extending from the top plate that ranges from 2.0 inches to 3.5 inches.
 10. An apparatus for utilization with a straight edge wooden board for leveling of uncured concrete, the apparatus comprising: a first engagement member comprising a first frame composed of steel, the first frame attached to the straight edge wooden board, the first frame having a top plate with a first plate extending downward approximately 2.5 inches from a first edge of the top plate, a second plate extending downward 2.5 inches from a second edge of the top plate, the first plate having a first aperture therethrough, a first adjustable handle bracket attached to an exterior surface of the top plate, a first fastening bolt disposed through a threaded nut and the first aperture of the first plate for securing the first engagement member to the straight edge wooden board, and a first cylindrical elongated handle having a first end threadingly engaged to the first adjustable handle bracket and second end with a grip thereon; and a second engagement member comprising a second frame composed of steel, the second frame attached to the straight edge wooden board, the second frame having a top plate with a first plate extending downward 2.5 inches from a first edge of the top plate and a second plate extending downward 2.5 inches from a second edge of the top plate, the first plate having a first aperture therethrough, a second adjustable handle bracket attached to an exterior surface of the top plate of the second frame, a second fastening bolt disposed through the first aperture of the first plate for securing the second engagement member to the straight edge wooden board, and a second cylindrical elongated handle having a first end threadingly engaged to the first adjustable handle bracket and second end with a grip thereon.
 11. The apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the first plate of the first frame has a second aperture therethrough and the first plate of the second frame has a second aperture therethrough, the first engagement member further comprising a second fastening bolt disposed through a threaded nut and the second aperture of the first plate of the first frame, and the second engagement member further comprising a second fastening bolt disposed through a threaded nut and the second aperture of the first plate of the second frame.
 12. The apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the first cylindrical elongated handle and the second cylindrical elongated handle are each a length of approximately 24 inches.
 13. The apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the first cylindrical elongated handle and the second cylindrical elongated handle each have a diameter of approximately 1.0 inch.
 14. The apparatus according to claim 10 wherein each of the top plate, first plate and second plate of each of the first frame and the second frame have a thickness ranging from 0.10 inch to 0.25 inch.
 15. The apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the distance between the first plate and the second plate of each of the first frame and the second frame ranges from 1.5 inches to 2.0 inches.
 16. A combination for leveling of uncured concrete, the combination comprising: a straight edge 2×4 wooden board; a first engagement member comprising a first frame composed of steel, the first frame attached to the straight edge 2×4 wooden board, the first frame having a top plate with a first plate extending downward approximately 2.5 inches from a first edge of the top plate, a second plate extending downward 2.5 inches from a second edge of the top plate, the first plate having a first aperture therethrough, a first adjustable handle bracket attached to an exterior surface of the top plate, a first fastening bolt disposed through a threaded nut and the first aperture of the first plate for securing the first engagement member to the straight edge 2×4 wooden board, and a first cylindrical elongated handle having a first end threadingly engaged to the first adjustable handle bracket and second end with a grip thereon; and a second engagement member comprising a second frame composed of steel, the second frame attached to the straight edge 2×4 wooden board, the second frame having a top plate with a first plate extending downward 2.5 inches from a first edge of the top plate and a second plate extending downward 2.5 inches from a second edge of the top plate, the first plate having a first aperture therethrough, a second adjustable handle bracket attached to an exterior surface of the top plate of the second frame, a second fastening bolt disposed through the first aperture of the first plate for securing the second engagement member to the straight edge 2×4 wooden board, and a second cylindrical elongated handle having a first end threadingly engaged to the first adjustable handle bracket and second end with a grip thereon. 